Test 3 Flashcards
1) Describe the process of Falx release, both in terms of how you do it, and in term of what responses you might feel in a patient’s Cranio-Scaral process
This contact involves cradling both the falx cerebri and the falx cerebelli between the two hands, with a hand on the front of the head and a hand at the back of the head so the two falxes are extending from one hand to the other. Start with the hand under the occiput - the curve of the occiput sitting in the palm of the hand, fingers pointing towards the sacrum. Gently bring in the other hand through the energy field over the frontal region with the fingers pointing towards the maxilla but not covering the eyebrows.
During the Flexion/ expansion phase the hands arch away from each other.
During the Extension/ contraction phase the hands move towards each other.
Specifically engage with the system’s tendancy to follow into extremes of motion. Taking up the slack.
Points of releases may be local or distant. Cranial membranes attachments to C2 and C3 , jugular foramina, foramen magnum, neck, spone, pelvis, diaphragm, solar plexus.
Describe the process of the Mastoid Tip contact
Place one hand under the back of the head (as with sub-occipital release) other hand on top of the bottom hand so fingers are crossing over the fingers f the other hand- tips of the fingers extending into the upper neck. Rest pads of thumbs lightly on tips of mastoid processes.
Temporals flare and mastoid tips move medially in flexion/ expansion. Medial tips move laterally in extension/ contraction.
Assess release of occiput- mastoid suture, jugular foramen, balance of temporals and upper cervical spine, drainage of Eustachian tube.
Good for Ear infections, tinnitus, headaches, digestive/ respiratory and cardiac symptoms (vagus nerve through jugular foramen)
What are the nerve root origins of the sciatic nerve?
L45, S123
Describe specifically the symptoms of sciatica
Neurological pain running in lower back and buttocks, Also down the posterior thigh to knee- then splitting to either side of calf. Worse when sitting. Shooting pains in the leg making it difficult to stand up, Pins and needles in the leg, ankle, foot. Pain in foot when flexing.
What is the superior cervical ganglion and location?
The upper most ganglion of the Sympathetic chain - located on each side of the veterbral bodies of the upper cervical vertebrae in the sub occipital region. C1-4
What is the superior cervical ganglion function and significance?
They are the crucial points of synapse for sympathetic nerve supply to the cranium. located in upper cervical in the sub-occipital region- vital functions include pupil dilation, regulates saliva and regulation of blood vessel constriction within the cranium. Any overstimulation due to injury, tension or restriction here my readily influence not only these specific functions but also repercussions throughout the entire sympathetic nervous system.
Compare and contrast the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
Sympathetic: Fight or flight Release of adrenaline from adrenal glands Catabolic Releases ATP to muscles for energy Temperature control/ sweat gland secretion Dilation of pupils and bronchi Shuts down digestion Increases heart rate
Parasympathetic: Rest and digest Anabolic Salivary glands release more saliva Pupils contract/ lens accommodation Lowers blood pressure Slows heart rate Bronchi constriction Stimulates digestive system Sphincter relaxation Activates thymus gland allowing more white T-cells int o the blood this boosting the immune system.
Why is the understanding of the anatomy of the nervous system, in terms of both spinal outflow and distribution potentially useful in diagnosis and treatment in CS therapy. Give two examples one relating to the somatic and autonomic nervous system.
To identify the nerve root origin in the body where there might be some restriction causing the symptoms.
Somatic - Median Nerve C678, T1- affects thumb and digits 123, often compressed or restricted in Carpal tunnel Syndrome.
Cystitis- Sympathetic T10-l2, parasympathetic - Pelvic Plexus S234
Asthma - Sympathetic T2-6, parasympathetic Vegas nerve - occiput, Pulmonary Plexus.
How might you identify emotional characteristics in a patient through the Cranio-Sacral process? (The Cranio-Sacral Process includes the whole interaction with your patient from start to finish)
Observe how the patient is breathing- is it shallow and restricted indicating stress.
Heart Centre contact- if you can’t feel much then the patient could be containing emotions. Or it could feel very overstimulated or restricted motion. Quality of emotional centres.
Sacrum - motion here is really important as is fundamental expression of vitality and health. Is the sacrum feeling stuck?
Solar Plexus contact/ Occipital release.
The overall motion and movement of the cranial Sacral Rhythm is a key indicator of the health and vitality of the person- which is linked to their emotional state. An open person will have a stronger and more indentifiable cranio sacral rhythm.
Give 4 ways in which personal development can be helpful for you as a CS therapist?
Clearing your own system of issues so you can more readily support your patient whilst also having empathy .
Allows greater opening up to stillness for the therapist
You become more grounded.
Better with boundaries- helps in a treatment.
Entrainment of the system- provind a strong and stable mid line for the patient.
Your calm quiet presence is fundamental to the cranial sacral process which will be enhanced and supported through your own personal development.
List 8 points which you consider to be the key factors in fascial unwinding?
Starts with articulation Ideally towards beginning of a session after settling and grounding Containment- elastic band feeling. Identifying repetitive avoidance patterns Following not imposing Stillness leading to release Subtle movements Requires your quiet grounded presence Breathing
List 6 ways in which the use of breathing might be useful in the CS process?
In the therapist: regulating your breath will help calm and ground and centre yourself.
In the patient: Helps to settle the patient.
Grounding the patient.
Useful diagnostic tool indicating any holding or stress patterns.
Asking your patient to breathe will help them to relax (engaging the parasympathetic nervous system).
Encourages and enhances release in the system
Why do we need a code of ethics?
Regulate a professional practice to provide a framework of expected professional behaviour for therapists
Provides re assurance and protection for the client.
Protects therapists and supports them in case of malpractice and potential legal issues.
